Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 3rd Edition

8



I

am very proud to contribute to this publication – the Caribbean Export OUTLOOK - and by extension – the work of the Caribbean Export Development Agency. The European Union has been a steady supporter of Caribbean Export and of the Caribbean Export OUTLOOK since its launch. Over the years we have seen how appreciated and useful the OUTLOOK has been for the business community in the Caribbean region and beyond. The Caribbean Export OUTLOOK is an ideal platform to highlight topics which are extremely relevant for Caribbean businesses - trends, opportunities, emerging markets, business solutions, as well as success stories and so much more! It is no surprise that it has been received so well by a varied audience already. We expect this reach to be even further enhanced in this third edition and many more to come. The EU has had a long relationship with Caribbean Export dating back to the 1980s and we are pleased to be still working with them towards the development of the region. At present, our support to Caribbean Export is funded under the 11 th European Development Fund Regional Private Sector Development Programme. The 24 million Euro committed for this Programme is intended to build on the achievements of our past support programmes to private sector development. This newProgramme is designed to address the increasing demands for private sector led growth. Therefore, greater emphasis is to be placed on initiatives such as green energy and e-commerce and greater effort will be made to integrate enterprises globally, boost competitiveness, improve the business climate and attract more foreign investments. All of these objectives are covered in this publication. Through Caribbean Export we also support activities related to the implementation of the CARIFORUM – EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed in 2008. The EPA makes it easier for people and businesses from Europe and the Caribbean to invest in and trade with each other. As the Caribbean and indeed the world are at a cross-road in relation to the challenges and opportunities for human, social and economic development, the European Union remains fully committed to continuing its cooperation with Caribbean partners such as Caribbean Export to work for a more equitable and prosperous region. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Executive Director and staff of the Caribbean Export Development Agency as well as the Board members, for this excellent initiative which puts well needed information into the public domain, hoping that business stakeholders will seize the opportunity and take full advantage of this publication. Thank you.

MESSAGE FROM THE Delegation Of The European Union

H. E . AMBAS SADOR DANI ELA TRAMACERE

Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM

www.carib - expor t.com